Homemade Fig Rolls

These Fig Rolls have a sweet and sticky filling and a soft and flaky pastry. The filling comprises figs, almonds, sugar, and almond flour, which has sweetness and texture, and pairs beautifully with the lemon scented pastry. Making these fig cookies requires some effort but it is well worth it.

You begin by making a jam with the figs before combining it with the chopped almonds and almond flour, and allowing it to cool in the fridge. Next, you make the cookie dough by beating the butter with sugar before adding the lemon zest and flour until combined. Once chilled, the dough gets rolled out and the fig mixture gets piped on top before the dough is rolled over to cover the filling. Once sliced, the fig cookies are set in the fridge or freezer until set before being baked in the oven.

What are Fig Rolls?

These fig rolls are similar to cuccidati (otherwise known as Italian fig cookies), which originated in Sicily and are often made around the Christmas season. Cuccidati are a little different from this fig cookie recipe, though, as they typically include a glaze and sprinkle on top.

Other well-known fig cookies are Fig Newtons, a type of cookie that was commercialized in the United States and Canada. These are soft cookies that are filled with a fig filling.

This fig cookie recipe is wonderful because it has a more complexly flavored filling from the addition of almond and the fragrance of lemon zest in the dough. The results are a cookie that may become a regular in your kitchen.

Pro Tips

• Choose ripe figs that don’t have any blemishes to make the filling in this recipe.
• You will know that the fig jam is ready when it has thickened and coats a spoon easily.
• Use a measuring tape to help you measure the cookies to ensure they are even sizes when you cut them.
• Chilling the filling before piping it on the dough will ensure that it is set and doesn’t ooze out of the cookies as much during the baking process.
• If you would prefer to use something other than almonds, feel free to use hazelnuts and hazelnut flour instead.
• To make these more like Sicilian fig cookies, feel free to dip the finished cookies in glaze and sprinkle them with your favorite festive sprinkles.

What to Serve with Fig Rolls?

These fig cookies are perfect on their own with just a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served with a spread of your favorite bars and cookies for the holiday season.

Can I Use Other Fruit in the Filling?

Yes, if you are a little short on figs, you could replace part of them with dates and raisins if desired. Alternatively, you could make the jam with other fresh fruit such as raspberries or strawberries if desired.

Can I Add Other Seasonings to the Fig Filling?

Yes, if you would like to add more festive flavors to your fig cookies, you can add some cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and/or allspice to your fig filling.

How Do I Make Sure the Filling Doesn't Ooze Out During Baking?

To prevent the filling from oozing out while baking, ensure the dough is rolled evenly and not too thin, as thin dough can tear. Chill the assembled rolls in the fridge or freezer before slicing and baking to firm up both the dough and filling, helping them hold their shape in the oven. Avoid overfilling the dough strips, as too much filling increases the risk of leakage.

Can I Add a Glaze to the Fig Rolls?

While these fig cookies are perfect as they are with a dusting of icing sugar, you can easily dip them in a glaze. Simply mix some icing sugar with just enough lemon juice or milk to make it a smooth glaze, and then, dip the cookies into the glaze. The glaze will set as the cookies air dry.

Can I Make These Fig Rolls Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Prepare and bake them as instructed, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance, store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, and assemble and bake when ready.

Do These Fig Rolls Freeze Well?

Sure! You can freeze the unbaked cookie rolls after assembling them—just wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, slice and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Fully baked cookies can also be frozen; cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Store Fig Rolls

These fig cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days.

How to Make Fig Cookies

Step 1. For the fig filling, cook the figs with the sugar in a saucepan, while stirring occasionally, until it reaches a jam-like consistency.

Step 2: In a bowl, stir the fig mixture with the chopped almonds and almond flour until combined. Allow it to cool in the fridge.

Step 3: To make the shortcrust pastry, in a bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until creamy. Stir in the egg, egg yolk, and lemon zest until combined.

Step 4: Stir the flour into the butter mixture and then knead it until a smooth dough forms. Wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll the dough out into a rectangle and trim the edges.

Step 6: Pipe a strip of fig filling along the top of the dough, fold the dough over, and cut it to separate the strip of filled dough. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 7: Trim the edges and refrigerate the filled rolls for at least 1 hour.

Step 8: Cut the rolls into squares and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!